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This Kind of Man
THIS KIND OF MAN offers an unvarnished look at life in 21st Century America, excavating the complicated, tender, wild truth of what it is to be a man across generations and relationships.
These stories interrogate the pressures and tensions of late-stage capitalism, and the ways men grapple with them, often without success. Issues such as marriage, fatherhood, aggression, alcoholism, gender expectations, generational backlash, and the inexorable dread of death, abound.
These stories interrogate the pressures and tensions of late-stage capitalism, and the ways men grapple with them, often without success. Issues such as marriage, fatherhood, aggression, alcoholism, gender expectations, generational backlash, and the inexorable dread of death, abound.
- GenresShort Stories
221 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2024
2 people are currently reading
5183 people want to read
About the author
Sean Murphy
8 books19 followersSean Murphy is founder of the non-profit 1455 Lit Arts and directs the Center for Story at Shenandoah University. He has been publishing fiction, poetry, reviews (of music, movie, book, food), and essays on the technology industry for over twenty years. He has appeared on NPR’s “All Things Considered” (check it out HERE) and been quoted in USA Today, The New York Times, The Huffington Post, Forbes and AdAge. He was a longtime columnist for PopMatters, and his work has also appeared in Salon, The Village Voice, The New York Post, The Good Men Project, Writer’s Digest, Memoir Magazine, Northern Virginia Magazine, and many other publications. His poems have been widely anthologized, including the collections Revisiting the Elegy in the Black Lives Matter Era, This Is What America Looks Like, Lo-Fi Poetry Series: Poet Sounds, and Written in Arlington: Poems for Arlington, VA.
He was previously the writer-in-residence at Noepe Center for Literary Arts at Martha’s Vineyard, and in 2017 founded the arts non-profit 1455. His memoir PLEASE TALK ABOUT ME WHEN I’M GONE was released in 2013. His novel NOT TO MENTION A NICE LIFE (2015) was followed by his first two collections of non-fiction, MURPHY’S LAW, VOL. ONE and VOL. TWO (2016, 2017). His chapbooks THE BLACKENED BLUES (Finishing Line Press) and RHAPSODIES IN BLUE (Kelsay Books) were published in 2021 and 2023. His next poetry collection, KINDS OF BLUE (Kelsay Books) and his collection of short fiction THIS KIND OF MAN (Unsolicited Press) both published in 2024. He has been nominated four times for the Pushcart Prize, twice for Best of Net, and PLEASE TALK ABOUT ME WHEN I'M GONE was winner of the 2022 Memoir Prize. His podcast Some Things Considered debuts in summer 2024.
As a former analyst for the technology industry, Sean spent a great deal of time discussing—and at times, lamenting—the ways an increasingly digital reality is changing lives, not always for the better. Over several years and after speaking to myriad experts from the business, artistic, and entertainment fields, Sean developed a thesis that technology has undeniably helped democratize content and creativity. These essays and articles inspired his podcast The Intersection of Innovation and Culture, which focused on the ways technology, despite its inherent contradictions it has also established otherwise unimaginable connections amongst diverse networks. To keep the discourse going, he established the 14:55 Interview series, which features writers and artists discussing their work, their influences, and what inspires them. All of 1455’s programming seeks to explore the ways artists can foster inclusivity and inspiration.
Sean believes deeply in the importance of building and nurturing communities. The primary impetus of 1455 is showcasing the work of creatives and support the micro communities spanning multiple artistic genres. In a time where industries are consolidating and info-overload makes it increasingly challenging to engage with a sustained audience, Sean is dedicated to forming creative alliances and promoting collaboration between artists, entrepreneurs, and businesses. In addition to the free programs 1455 provides, Sean has initiated a formal workshop series that allows acclaimed authors to work with aspiring writers and retain all the profits. In addition, he created MOVABLE TYPE, a free digital magazine featuring both celebrated and emerging writers.
Sean studied English at George Mason University and has an MA in Literature. One of his thesis papers dealt with the utopian impulse in ’70s rock which, depending upon one’s perspective, at least partially explains why he opted not to purse that PhD in Cultural Studies. He’s finishing a book on all-things prog rock, inspired by his featured series “The Amazing Pudding” at PopMatters. As a critic and arts advocate, Sean has spoken with some of the remarkable musicians and writers of our time, including Vernon Reid (Living Colour); Dan Auerbach
He was previously the writer-in-residence at Noepe Center for Literary Arts at Martha’s Vineyard, and in 2017 founded the arts non-profit 1455. His memoir PLEASE TALK ABOUT ME WHEN I’M GONE was released in 2013. His novel NOT TO MENTION A NICE LIFE (2015) was followed by his first two collections of non-fiction, MURPHY’S LAW, VOL. ONE and VOL. TWO (2016, 2017). His chapbooks THE BLACKENED BLUES (Finishing Line Press) and RHAPSODIES IN BLUE (Kelsay Books) were published in 2021 and 2023. His next poetry collection, KINDS OF BLUE (Kelsay Books) and his collection of short fiction THIS KIND OF MAN (Unsolicited Press) both published in 2024. He has been nominated four times for the Pushcart Prize, twice for Best of Net, and PLEASE TALK ABOUT ME WHEN I'M GONE was winner of the 2022 Memoir Prize. His podcast Some Things Considered debuts in summer 2024.
As a former analyst for the technology industry, Sean spent a great deal of time discussing—and at times, lamenting—the ways an increasingly digital reality is changing lives, not always for the better. Over several years and after speaking to myriad experts from the business, artistic, and entertainment fields, Sean developed a thesis that technology has undeniably helped democratize content and creativity. These essays and articles inspired his podcast The Intersection of Innovation and Culture, which focused on the ways technology, despite its inherent contradictions it has also established otherwise unimaginable connections amongst diverse networks. To keep the discourse going, he established the 14:55 Interview series, which features writers and artists discussing their work, their influences, and what inspires them. All of 1455’s programming seeks to explore the ways artists can foster inclusivity and inspiration.
Sean believes deeply in the importance of building and nurturing communities. The primary impetus of 1455 is showcasing the work of creatives and support the micro communities spanning multiple artistic genres. In a time where industries are consolidating and info-overload makes it increasingly challenging to engage with a sustained audience, Sean is dedicated to forming creative alliances and promoting collaboration between artists, entrepreneurs, and businesses. In addition to the free programs 1455 provides, Sean has initiated a formal workshop series that allows acclaimed authors to work with aspiring writers and retain all the profits. In addition, he created MOVABLE TYPE, a free digital magazine featuring both celebrated and emerging writers.
Sean studied English at George Mason University and has an MA in Literature. One of his thesis papers dealt with the utopian impulse in ’70s rock which, depending upon one’s perspective, at least partially explains why he opted not to purse that PhD in Cultural Studies. He’s finishing a book on all-things prog rock, inspired by his featured series “The Amazing Pudding” at PopMatters. As a critic and arts advocate, Sean has spoken with some of the remarkable musicians and writers of our time, including Vernon Reid (Living Colour); Dan Auerbach
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 1, 2024
The Review
One of the most profound aspects of this modern world is the discussion around gender and “what it is to be a man.” While I have taken a viewpoint that gender norms are nothing but social constructs, constantly changing depending on the era. Yet, as this book so artfully explores, gender norms for men, in particular, have always stemmed from some hard-hitting truths. What I think the author does brilliantly here is write stories that don’t serve as excuses but as insightful nods towards the circle of repeated behavior that has instilled anger and a sense of rash actions within men, more so now than ever.
Each story was witty yet engaging, skirting the line between comfort and disturbance as the stories explored the many aspects of being a man in this world. Ironically, the emotional depth and honesty with which the author presented each story, and the exploration of troubling behavior linked to toxic family situations, a history of alcoholism, and unrealistic expectations of power and fortune placed on men from an early age, with a faux knowledge that people will view them as weak somehow if they don’t shut out their emotions and focus on career over family and emotions.
The Verdict
Vulnerable, heartfelt, and engaging author Sean Murphy’s “This Kind of Man” is a must-read collection of short stories. The author explores not only manhood and masculinity but also how these men and their struggles impact the women around them. In doing so, he captures not only the mindset of so many post-war American men but also the often tragic circumstances between a father and their son and the relationship they form.
One of the most profound aspects of this modern world is the discussion around gender and “what it is to be a man.” While I have taken a viewpoint that gender norms are nothing but social constructs, constantly changing depending on the era. Yet, as this book so artfully explores, gender norms for men, in particular, have always stemmed from some hard-hitting truths. What I think the author does brilliantly here is write stories that don’t serve as excuses but as insightful nods towards the circle of repeated behavior that has instilled anger and a sense of rash actions within men, more so now than ever.
Each story was witty yet engaging, skirting the line between comfort and disturbance as the stories explored the many aspects of being a man in this world. Ironically, the emotional depth and honesty with which the author presented each story, and the exploration of troubling behavior linked to toxic family situations, a history of alcoholism, and unrealistic expectations of power and fortune placed on men from an early age, with a faux knowledge that people will view them as weak somehow if they don’t shut out their emotions and focus on career over family and emotions.
The Verdict
Vulnerable, heartfelt, and engaging author Sean Murphy’s “This Kind of Man” is a must-read collection of short stories. The author explores not only manhood and masculinity but also how these men and their struggles impact the women around them. In doing so, he captures not only the mindset of so many post-war American men but also the often tragic circumstances between a father and their son and the relationship they form.
November 13, 2024
This Kind of Man: Stories" is a poignant and beautifully crafted collection of short stories. Murphy's writing delves deep into the complexities of the human condition, exploring themes of masculinity, vulnerability, and resilience. Each story is a gem, with rich character development and evocative prose that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page. If you enjoy narratives that offer a deep dive into human emotions and relationships, this book is definitely worth a read.
Read more on the Thugbrarian Review blog at: https://thugbrarianreview.wordpress.c...
Read more on the Thugbrarian Review blog at: https://thugbrarianreview.wordpress.c...
December 14, 2024
I’ll admit I was a bit skeptical about reading this book but I am so very glad I did. As a female, I actually enjoyed learning about a man’s struggles and perspectives. Now, that’s not to say a couple of the “stories” I found to be sad on such a pathetic level but like they say, “Women are from Venus and men are from Mars.” All in all, I do have a greater understanding of men’s struggles and can relate many to the men in my life. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would definitely recommend more woman read it. It’s quite enlightening.
August 11, 2025
💥 What does it really mean to be a man today?
Sean Murphy’s 'This Kind of Man' strips away the myths and exposes the tender, messy, and often painful truths of masculinity—across fathers, sons, lovers, and strangers.
From generational legacies to quiet acts of rebellion, these essays confront what we inherit, what we resist, and what we lose along the way.
📖 Read my full review here ➡️ My Review
#BookReview #Nonfiction #Masculinity #Essays #SeanMurphy #ThisKindOfMan #Gifted
Sean Murphy’s 'This Kind of Man' strips away the myths and exposes the tender, messy, and often painful truths of masculinity—across fathers, sons, lovers, and strangers.
From generational legacies to quiet acts of rebellion, these essays confront what we inherit, what we resist, and what we lose along the way.
📖 Read my full review here ➡️ My Review
#BookReview #Nonfiction #Masculinity #Essays #SeanMurphy #ThisKindOfMan #Gifted
May 18, 2024
I thought this was a creative way to tackle complex subjects while keeping readers engaged. It is an extremely clever way to get readers to answer some hard questions themselves through reflection brought on by the stories. I think this is an important read for anyone but would especially recommend it to those that are interested in the complexities of manhood and all that may go with it. Find my full review here: https://likelystory.blog/2024/05/18/r...
June 24, 2024
You can check out my review here:
https://youtu.be/gaEd2lOkAhg
https://youtu.be/gaEd2lOkAhg
November 2, 2025
Collection of short stories
Deep
Deep
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews